The purpose of this project area is to establish basic to advanced knowledge of and abilities in using photographic equipment, lighting, and composition to capture images, express feelings, and communicating ideas. Participants can work through the three project levels, progressing from basic to advanced photography skills and techniques.
Rules
See the “General Rules and Regulations - Static Exhibits” section of this fair book for more information and additional resources.
- 4-H members are allowed to exhibit in only one photography level.
- State Fair 4-H members may enter up to three exhibits, but no more than one exhibit per class (see State Fair General Rules).
- An image may only be used on one exhibit with the exception of Portfolios, which may include images entered in other classes.
- Cameras: Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drones.
- Photos must be shot by 4-H member during the current project year with the exception of Portfolios, which may include images captured and/or exhibited in previous years.
- Securely attach photos, mats, backing, and data tags. Exhibits that are poorly attached may be disqualified. Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits.
- Portfolios: All portfolios must include the following information: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each photo. When writing reflections, youth should focus on what new photography techniques or skills they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image. Portfolios may be presented in either print or digital formats:
- Printed portfolios should be presented in an 8.5" x 11" three-ring binder or similar book format. The recommended photo size is 8" x 10". Matting is not necessary.
- Digital portfolios may be presented online and must be exhibited along with a single 8.5” x 11” flyer. Flyers must include a link, URL, or QR code that takes users (judges and fairgoers) to their online portfolio.
- Display Exhibits: Display exhibits are only accepted in Level 2. Displays consist of three 4" x 6" photos mounted on a single horizontal 11" x 14" black or white poster or mat board. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted. No foam board backing should be used. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distract from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers will be allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
- Print Exhibits: Print exhibits must be 8" x 10" printed mounted in 11" x 14" (outside size) cut mat with a sandwich mat board backing. Incorrect sizes will not be accepted. No foam board should be used for matting or backing. Mat openings may be rectangular or oval. Photos may be horizontal or vertical. No frames are allowed. Appropriate data tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
- Entry Tags: Entry tags should be securely attached to the upper right-hand corner of the exhibit.
- Data Tags: Data Tags are required on all print and display exhibits. Data tags are not required for portfolios. Each exhibit must have the appropriate number and level of data tags as outline below. Data tags should be securely attached to the back of the exhibit. Current data tags and help sheet are available at Scoresheets, Forms, And Contest Study Materials
- Level 2 Prints: All Level 2 prints must have a Level 2 Data Tag.
- Level 2 Displays: Each photo of the display must include a separate Level 2 Data Tag. Data Tags should be numbered with the corresponding photo's number.
- Level 3 Prints: All Level 3 prints must have a Level 3 Data Tag.
DIVISION 180 - PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 1
PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS CLASSES
Rules
Displays - Displays exhibits are encouraged for Level 1 exhibitors. Displays consist of three 4” x 6” photos mounted on a single horizontal 11” x 14” black or white poster or mat board. No foam core backing board is allowed. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distracting from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers are allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Data tags are required for each photo in the display. Use numbers to identify which photo each data tag corresponds with.
CF-B180901 - Fun with Shadows Display or Print – Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows (Activity 4)
CF-B180902 - Get in Close Display or Print – Photo should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. (Activity 8)
CF-B180903 - Bird’s or Bug’s Eye View Display or Print – Photo should capture an interesting viewpoint of a subject, either from above (bird’s eye view) or below (bug’s eye view). (Activity 10)
CF-B180904 - Tricks and Magic Display or Print – Photos should capture visual trickery or magic. Trick photography requires creative compositions of objects in space and are intended to trick the person viewing the photo. For example, if someone is standing in front of a flowerpot, the pot might not be visible in the image, making it look as if the flowers are growing out of the person’s head. (Activity 11)
CF-B180905 - People, Places, or Pets with Personality Display or Print – Photos should have a strong focal point, which could be people, places, or pets. Photos should capture the subject’s personality or character. Photos may be posed or un-posed. (Activity 13)
CF-B180906 - Black and White Display or Print – Photos should create interest without the use of color. Photos should show strong contrast and/or textures. Photos may be captured in black and white or captured in color and edited to black and white. (Activity 15)
CF-B180907 - Challenging Photo Exhibit: Telling a Story Display – Exhibit will include three photos which tell a story without words. Photos may show something being created, destroyed, consumed, moving, or growing. Photos should capture the beginning, middle, and end of a single story, project, or event. Display will consist of three 4” x 6” photos mounted on a single horizontal 11” x 14” black or white poster or mat board. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distracting from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers are allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Data tags are required for each photo in the display. (Activity 14)
CF-B180908 - Photography Level 1 Panorama Exhibit Display - The entry will consist of an arrangement of three (3) or more pictures connected to show a wide angle of a subject. Panorama display must be mounted on a horizontal 14" x 22" poster board. Pictures may have some overlap, but unwanted excess can be cropped (cut).
CF-B180909 - Photography Level 1 Panorama Exhibit using a Panorama Camera - The entry will consist of a panorama picture made using a panorama camera. Panorama Picture must be mounted on a horizontal 14" x 22" poster board.
CF-B180910 - Photography Level 1 Other-Any other favorite photo. Exhibit may range in size from 3" x 5" to 8" x 10" mounted in appropriate size cut matting (no frames) with a sandwich backing. May be taken with digital camera.
DIVISION 181 - PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 2
NEXT LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
Rules
Level 2 photographers should be utilizing all the skills and techniques they have developed thus far in their photography careers, especially topics covered in Book 1 Photography Basics and Book 2 Next Level Photography.
SF-B181010 - Level 2 Portfolio - (SF88) - Level 2 portfolios represent the 4-H member’s best work and must include 5-7 different images from the 4-H member's photography career. At least 2 images must have been taken during the current year. The remaining images may have been taken at any time during the member's 4-H experience and may have been previously exhibited. Portfolios may include photos which are exhibited in other Level 2 classes during the same year. Portfolios must include: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each image. When writing reflections, youth should focus on what new photography techniques they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image.
SF-B181020 - Creative Techniques & Lighting Display or Print - (SF87) - Photos capture a creative use of lighting, such as diffused lighting, backlighting, or hard lighting, reflections, or another lighting technique covered in Book 2 Next Level Photography (Activity 3, 4, 5)
SF-B181030 - Creative Composition Display or Print - (SF87) - Photos capture a creative composition using the Rule of Thirds, Golden Triangle, Golden Rectangle, or another composition technique covered in Book 2 Next Level Photography. (Activity 6, 7, 8, 9)
SF-B181040 - Abstract Photography Display or Print - (SF87) - Photos be abstract or capture a small piece of a larger subject. Abstract photos may not look like anything in particular but should be able to capture a viewer's attention. (Activity 11)
SF-B181050 - Candid Photography Display or Print - (SF87) - Candid photos capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed. (Activity 10)
SF-B181060 - Expression Through Color Display or Print - (SF87) - Photos capture a creative use of color or a color scheme, such as complimentary, contrasting, monochromatic, warm, cool, primary, secondary, or tertiary. (Activity 13)
SF-B181070 - Black & White Photography Display or Print - (SF87) - A photo should be a black and white photograph that demonstrates strong use of composition, lighting, and contrast. Photos may be taken with any camera type (digital or film) but must be printed in black and white.
SF-B181080 - Creative & Experimental Photography Exhibit Print - (SF86) - Using original photos a 4-H member has captured, create an exhibit in black and white or color demonstrating the use of creative or experimental technology or techniques. Alterations to the exhibit must be apparent. Examples of methods to use may include using artificial intelligence or software tools to edit or replace the original pixels of the image.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used when creating this exhibit, with adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work must be referenced. The 4-H member’s original work must be the majority of exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4" x 6" copy of each original images on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered and the equipment or software used.
CF-B181900 - Photography Level 2 Panorama Exhibit Display - The entry will consist of an arrangement of three (3) or more pictures connected to show a wide angle of a subject. Panorama display must be mounted on a horizontal 14" x 22" poster board. Pictures may have some overlap, but unwanted excess can be cropped (cut).
CF-B181901 - Photography Level 2 Panorama Exhibit using a Panorama Camera - The entry will consist of a panorama picture made using a panorama camera. Panorama Picture must be mounted on a horizontal 14" x 22" poster board.
CF-B181902 - Photography Level 2 Other - Exhibit needs to relate to project area. You can add any additional information that you want the judge to know about your exhibit.
DIVISION 182 - PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 3
MASTERING PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
Rule
Level 3 photographers should be exploring and experimenting with advanced techniques. This may include but does not necessarily require using an SLR camera, manual adjustments, or other advanced equipment. Level 3 photographers should be utilizing all the skills and techniques they have developed throughout their photography career, especially topics covered in Book 1 Photography Basics, Book 2 Next Level Photography, and Book 3 Mastering Photography.
SF-B182010 - Level 3 Portfolio - (SF88) - Level 3 portfolios represent the photographer's best work. Level 3 portfolios must include 9-11 images from the 4-H member's photography career. At least 3 images should be from the current year. The remaining images may have been taken at any time during the member's 4-H experience and may have been previously exhibited. Portfolios may include photos which are exhibited in other Level 3 classes during the same year. Portfolios must include: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each image. When writing reflections, 4-H member should focus on what new photography techniques or skills they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image.
SF-B182020 - Advanced Techniques & Lighting Print - (SF89) - Photos show an experimentation or exploration of advanced lighting, such as low-light or silhouette photography or another advanced photography technique, such as astrophotography, underwater photography, or infrared photography. (Activity 3, 4, 5, or 12)
SF-B182030 - Advanced Composition Print - (SF89) - Photos show advanced compositions, such as using diagonal, horizontal, or vertical lines or repeating shapes to frame a subject or lead the viewer's eye through a scene; breaking the rule of thirds to compose a discordant image; or another advanced composition technique covered in Book 3 Mastering Photography (Activity 6, 7)
SF-B182040 - Portrait Print - (SF89) - A great portrait captures not only a person's physical image, but also something of the person's character or personality. Photos may be either formal or informal but must be of one or more human subjects. (Activity 9)
SF-B182050 - Still Life Print - (SF89) - Photos capture non-moving objects that have been arranged in an interesting way. Photos demonstrate advanced control over lighting and composition. (Activity 8)
SF-B182060 - Freeze/Blur the Moment Print - (SF89) - Photos capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blur the movement. (Activity 11)
SF-B182070 - Black & White Photography Display or Print - (SF89) - Photo demonstrates advanced black and white photograph with strong technical ability and creative expression.
Photo demonstrates intentional use of contrast, lighting, and composition to create visual impact. Advanced editing is allowed as appropriate for black and white imagery.
SF-B182080 - Creative & Experimental Photography Exhibit Print - (SF86) - Using original photos a 4-H member has captured, create an exhibit in black and white or color demonstrating the use of creative or experimental technology or techniques. Alterations to the exhibit must be apparent and advanced techniques used. Examples of methods to use may include using artificial intelligence or software tools to edit or replace the original pixels of the image or other advanced techniques.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used when creating this exhibit, with adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work must be referenced. The 4-H member’s original work must be the majority of exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4" x 6" copy of each original images on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered and the equipment or software used.
CF-B182900 - Photography Level 3 Panorama Exhibit Display -The entry will consist of an arrangement of three (3) or more pictures connected to show a wide angle of a subject. Panorama display must be mounted on a horizontal 14" x 22" poster board. Pictures may have some overlap, but unwanted excess can be cropped (cut).
CF-B182901 - Photography Level 3 Panorama Exhibit using a Panorama Camera -The entry will consist of a panorama picture made using a panorama camera. Panorama Picture must be mounted on a horizontal 14" x 22" poster board.
CF-B182902 - Photography Level 3 Other - Exhibit needs to relate to project area. You can add any additional information that you want the judge to know about your exhibit.
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